Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Blog Tour: Alayna Williams Guest Blog and Giveaway!

Story prompts can be found in the oddest of places.I’d wanted to write DARK ORACLE for years, but was struggling about who the protagonist should be. I knew that she would be a criminal profiler who uses Tarot cards to solve crimes, but I didn’t know anything more about her personality than that.

So, I picked up my Tarot deck, shuffled, and drew the Queen of Swords from the top. The Queen of Swords depicts a woman staring pensively into a stormy sky. She’s lifting sword as if it’s quite sharp, and extends her hand as if she’s cut herself with it. The swords, in general, represent intellect. The Queen of swords traditionally represents sadness and mourning or a particularly clever woman. I always associated her with the Snow Queen from fairy tales – cold, isolated, withdrawn.

And that interpretation was perfect for the story. The Queen of Swords became my inspiration for Tara Sheridan. Tara narrowly survived an attack years before by a serial killer called the Gardener. The experience left her physically and emotionally scarred, and she withdrew entirely from work and from life. She even exiled herself from an group of oracles to which her mother belonged, Delphi ’s Daughters. It would take a special force, a counterweight, to pull Tara from the solitude of the Queen of Swords. And I began to think about a complicating factor for Tara , something that would shake her out of her frozen world.

I used the same method of using Tarot cards to create Harry Li, a federal agent on the trail of a missing scientist who’s unlocked the destructive power of dark matter. I picked the Knight of Pentacles from the deck. The knight gazes seriously at the weight of his responsibilities. He’s a pragmatic man, not given to irrationality or anything that can be seen or touched. I thought a skeptic would be a perfect counterpoint to Tara’s mysticism. Since Pentacles are also referred to as coins in many decks, I gave Harry the nervous habit of jingling change in his suit pocket.

Whenever I got stuck in the story, I pulled out the deck and used the cards as prompts. In that way, the story grew more organic, leaping from one image to another as I shuffled the cards.

~by Alayna Williams

Alayna Williams has an MA in sociology-criminology (research interests: fear of crime and victimology) and a BA in criminology. She has worked in and around criminal justice since 1997. She also writes urban fantasy as Laura Bickle. Laura’s first novel, EMBERS (you can read my review here), was released by Pocket Books in April. More information can be found at www.alaynawilliams.com

Alayna’s Website I Alayna’s Blog I Laura’s Website I Laura’s Blog I Laura’s Livejournal I Laura’s Facebook I Fangs, Fur & Fey

Can an oracle change the future she sees?

Tara Sheridan swore off criminal profiling years ago. By combining Tarot card divination with her own intuition, she narrowly escaped the grasp of a serial killer who left her scarred for life. She put down her cards and withdrew from work and society. Now, Sophia, a member of an ancient secret society connected to the mythic Delphic Oracle, asks Tara to find a missing scientist who has unlocked the destructive secrets of dark energy. Tara resists— she fears reawakening her long-buried talents and blames Sophia’s Daughters of Delphi for the death of her mother. But, grudgingly, she agrees to search for the missing scientist, Lowell Magnusson.

Tara travels to Las Alamos National Laboratory, the location of Magnusson’s disappearance. She meets the serious, impatient, and highly attractive Agent Harry Li— and re-encounters her old partner, Richard Corvus. Corvus is now chief of the Special Projects Division, a position Tera might have held, had she not dropped out of investigative work. Corvus considers Tara mentally imbalanced and not to be trusted— but it may be Corvus who is untrustworthy.

Tara’s investigation and Tarot cards tell her Magnusson’s daughter, Cassie, may hold the key to her father’s plans, and that they both are in grave danger. Meanwhile, Corvus and the Daughters of Delphi have their own plans...and the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

DARK ORACLE will be followed by a sequel in 2011.

You can read an excerpt here.

Buy it now from Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.

Or you can win my gently used copy right now~ My review will be posted shortly. Contest open to US & Canada mailing addresses only. International can enter if they’re willing to pay for shipping or have a friend with a US or Canadian address I can ship it to (Sorry, but I’m going to be pretty wiped out after my bday bash lol).

To enter comment on this interview and leave your email. (You can email it to me if you don’t feel comfortable leaving it in the comments.) This contest ends June 19th at 11:59 PM CDT.

I’m BBA’s next host!

Guess what! I just got some fabulous news! Have you all been over to Paranormal Haven yet this month for their Adrian Phoenix Month? Well you should, especially because part of it is because of BBA, Book Bloggers Anonymous. It’s a book club that was started by Steph @ Paper Cut Reviews, and I’m also a member. Currently we are discussing A Rush of Wings by Adrian Phoenix for our June book.

What our July book will be is up to you! I’m going to be the next host for BBA so you all will be voting among our top three choices! So please vote in the top left corner!

And if you want to be really kind to me, you can vote for Mind Games, because I’ve read the other two, but vote where you will!

These are the other blogs involved in BBA:

Steph ~ Paper Cut Reviewer
Beth ~ Maybe Tomorrow?
Stephanie & Athenna ~ Paranormal Haven
Ky ~ Can't Find a Bookmark
Chas ~ Lovin' & Livin Life in the 808
Stella ~ Ex Libris
Aly ~ Fantasy 4 Eva
Jo-Anne ~ Strange Candy Reviews
Natasha ~ A Great Book Is The Cheapest Vacation

If you have any questions feel free to ask. You can reach Steph at papercutreviewer@gmail.com

Oh and don’t forget to support the current host Paranormal Haven and their month long event!

I figure this is also a good time to mention another group I am a part of, and it is also a baby of Steph @ Paper Cut Reviews.

The Travelling Book Gnome is a book tour started by Steph to help us connect with our fellow bloggers, have a chance to read a book we might not have otherwise read, and give away a great keepsake to a lucky follower! To start it off, the book that was chosen was They Call Me Death by Missy Jane, and it’s winding up it’s journey. Soon (next week) you will get to see the travels that Cedric/Fin (the gnome) and the book have undergone and read our reviews. As a special bonus Missy Jane is doing a blog tour and will be stopping by each of our blogs!!

The other blogs involved are:

Natasha ~ A Great Book Is The Cheapest Vacation will be joining us starting the July-August tour.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Win on Wednesday: Contests Around the Blogosphere (20)

From Abigail @ All Things Urban Fantasy

Here are some of the contests I have found. Sorry if I missed any. I got very behind due to my lovely incident w/ the stairs. Feel free to email or tweet me your links if you want to make sure I add it on here! At the bottom of the page I’ve linked two other sites w/ great contest listings.

Be aware that what’s listed here is not necessarily accurate or as detailed as the page will be, it’s just a guide so read the rules before you enter the contests. :)

My Contest:

ENTER HERE for your chance to win Moonshine by Alaya Johnson. Contest ends June 11th. (US residents only)

New Contests:

~vvb32 reads is having SteamPink Week! Go check out the schedule of events and enter several giveaways going on now!

~Reading with Tequila is giving away all kinda of goodies from BEA! She’s choosing winners until it’s all gone! Contest ends June 11, 2010. (US mailing addresses)

~Books and Things is giving away Bitter Frost by Kalin Gow. Enter by June 11, 2010.

~The Neverending Shelf is giving away a mystery book/ARC and swag as a prize to a few lucky people who fill out a survey. Enter by June 11, 2010. (International)

~The Story Siren is giving away a Nice and Mean Prize Pack! Was going to be for one day, but was extended, so hurry and enter! Contest ends June 11, 2010. (US residents only)

~Maybe Tomorrow? is giving away The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer. Contest ends June 11, 2010. (US/Canada only)

~Smexy Books is giving away Dark Oracle by Alayna Williams. Contest ends June 11, 2010. (International)

~The Neverending Shelf is giving away 3 copies of The Doomsday Key by James Rollins. Enter by June 12, 2010. (US residents only)

~Seductive Musings is giving away a signed copy of Tempting Eden by Margaret Rowe and swag. Enter by June 12, 2010. (International)

~Seductive Musings is giving away 5 copies of Knight of Passion by Margaret Mallory. Enter by June 12, 2010. (US/Canada only)

~Shooting Stars Mag is giving away 5 copies of 101 Things I Learned in Film School by Neil Landau. Enter by June 12, 2010. (US/Canada only)

~Intense Whisperer is giving away a signed copy of Her Vampire Husband, a signed copy of Moon Kissed, and Angel Slayer by Michele Hauf. Enter by June 12, 2010. (US residents only)

~Over the Edge Book Reviews is giving away Sugar Creek by Toni Blake. Enter by June 13, 2010. (International)

~Mundie Moms is giving away Sammy Keyes by Wendelin Van Draanen. Contest ends June 13, 2010. (US only)

~Book Lovers Inc. is giving away a signed copy of Black and White and Shades of Gray by Jackie Kessler and Caitlin Kittredge. Enter by June 13, 2010. (International)

~Book Lovers Inc. is giving away The Last Track by Sam Hilliard. Enter by June 13, 2010. (International)

~The Qwillery is giving away The Tales of H.P. Lovecraft and a necklace from Cemetery Cat Jewelry! Contest ends June 14, 2010. (International)

~Enchanted by Books is giving away Nancy’s Theory of Style by Grace Coopersmith. Enter by June 14, 2010. (US only)

~Reading with Tequila is giving away 5 copies of The Mosts by Melissa Senate. Enter by June 14, 2010. (US only)

~Shooting Stars Mag is giving away a Crystal Allure Awareness Jewelry! Enter by June 15, 2010. (US/Canada/UK)

~Luxury Reading is giving away The Silver Eagle by Ben Kane. Contest ends June 15, 2010. (US residents only)

~Luxury Reading is giving away 3 copies of This is Why You’re Fat by Jackie Warner. Contest ends June 15, 2010. (US residents only)

~Book Faery is giving away a $70 GC to CSNstores.com to purchase a bookshelf or whatever else you need. Contest ends June 16, 2010. (US/Canada only)

~Bite Club is giving away Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris. Enter by June 17, 2010. (US shipping addresses)

~Community Bookstop is giving away 5th Horseman by James Patterson. Enter by June 17, 2010. (US only)

~Fiction Vixen Book Reviews is giving away a signed copy of Iron King by Julie Kagawa. Enter by June 17, 2010. (US mailing addresses, international can enter w/ a US address to accept prize)

~Reading Angel is having a Twilight Makeup Giveaway! Win Enrapture sheer lip gloss, labyrinth loose eye shadow, and Reign scented body mist. Enter by June 17, 2010. (US residents)

~Blog with Bite is having a 500 Follower Giveaway w/ 5 prize packs being given away! Contest ends June 18, 2010. (US only)

~Parajunkee’s View is celebrating Blog with Bite’s 500 Followers! The prizes are Masked by Moonlight by Nancy Gideon, Amazon Queen by Lori Devoti, Sins of the Flesh by Caridad Pineiro, and Dancing with Werewolves by Carole Neelson Douglas. Contest ends June 18, 2010. (US only)

~What Book is That? is giving away Wicked Becomes You by Meredith Duran and Flirting with Forever by Gwyn Cready as part of Blog with Bite’s 500 Followers Giveaway! Contest ends June 18, 2010. (US only)

~Writings of a Wicked Book Addict is giving away 2 sets of Kitty Goes to War and Discord’s Apple by Carrie Vaughn. Contest ends June 18, 2010. (US/Canada only)

~The Bookaholics is giving away a signed copy of Sophia’s Secret by Susanna Kearsley. Contest ends June 18, 2010. (International)

~Friends & Family is giving away a signed copy of Sophia’s Secret by Susanna Kearsley. Contest ends June 18, 2010. (International)

~Fiction Vixen Book Reviews is giving away Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane. Enter by June 18, 2010. (International)

~The Neverending Shelf is giving away Brigitta of the White Forest by Danika Dinsmore. Contest ends June 18, 2010. (US only)

~The Neverending Shelf is giving away 2 ARC of Deception by Lee Nichols. Contest ends June 18, 2010. (US only)

~Ellz Readz is giving away a Minder T-Shirt by Kate Kaynak. Contest ends June 18, 2010. (US mailing address)

~In Which a Girl Reads is giving away Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson and a keychain. Enter by June 19, 2010. (US mailing addresses)

~Luxury Reading is giving away 2 hardcover copies of A Thousand Sisters by Lisa Shannon. Enter by June 20, 2010. (US residents only)

~Luxury Reading is giving away a $40 GC to CSNstores.com. Enter by June 20, 2010. (US/Canada residents only)

~YA Highway is giving away 4 Prize Packs of BEA goodness! Enter by June 20, 2010. (US/Canada residents)

~Fang-tastic Books is giving away 250 customizable stickers/labels from UPrinting.com. Enter by June 22, 2010. (US residents)

~Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm is giving away Deception by Lee Nichols. Enter by June 25, 2010. (US only)

~Rex Robot Reviews is giving away My Blood Approves by Amanda Hocking. Contest ends June 25, 2010. (US-print/ebook, international-ebook)

~Dark Faerie Tales is giving away Masked by Moonlight by Nancy Gideon. Enter by June 28, 2010. (US/Canada residents)

~Bites is having a BEA swag giveaway! Enter to win one of several swag bags! Contest ends June 29, 2010.

~"Cleverly Inked” is giving away a $60 GC to CSNstores.com. Enter by June 30, 2010. (US/Canada residents)

~Rex Robots Reviews is giving away 3 copies of Knight of Passion by Margaret Mallory. Enter by June 30, 2010. (US/Canada residents)

~Cherry Mischievous is giving away a £10 Amazon GC. Enter by June 30, 2010. (International)

~Book Rat is having Jane in June. All contests end June 30, 2010.

Persuasion bookmark from The Antique Fashionista (US/Canada only)
2 copies of Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters by Jane Austin and Ben H. Winters (US/Canada only)
The Dashwoods Card Set by The Antique Fashionista (International)

~Only Sexy Books Allowed is giving away an ARC of Matched by Ally Condie. Contest ends July 1, 2010. (International)

~Pop Culture Junkie is giving away And Then Everything Unraveled and And Then I Found Out the Truth by Jennifer Sturman and a magic 8 ball keychain. Contest ends July 1, 2010. (US/Canada addresses)

~Regal Literary is giving away 10 copies of Fangland by John Marks in honor of the film adaption in progress. Enter by July 2, 2010.

~All Things Urban Fantasy and Tynga’s Reviews are having a Paranormal Summerfest! All contests end July 4, 2010.

5 copies of Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane (US only)
Feather and Knight Angels: Book of Love by Abra Ebner (US/Canada)
Spider’s Bite and Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep (US/Canada)
5 copies of Lover Mine by J.R. Ward (Canada addresses only)
signed copy of Spells by Aprilynne Pike (US only)
2 signed copies of 13 to Life by Shannon Delany (US/Canada)
Stormwalker and a book from the backlist of Allyson James (Stormwalker-US only, backlist book-international)
signed copy of The Demon in Me by Michelle Rowen (US/Canada)
complete set of the Heart series & an ARC of Heart Journey by Robin D. Owens (US only)
signed copy of Dark Flame by Alyson Noel (US only)
5 copies of Deception by Lee Nichols (US only)
2copies of The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Breenan (US only)
2 copies of The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan (US only)
Early to Death, Early to Rise by Kim Harrison (Canada only)

~Fire and Ice is giving away a 6 pack of dreamy mermaid postcards. Enter by July 4, 2010. (International)

~Fire and Ice is giving away Spicy Siren Perfume. Enter by July 5, 2010. (International)

~Fire and Ice is giving away River Secrets by Shannon Hale. Enter by July 7, 2010. (International)

~I Heart Monster is giving away Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard. Contest ends July 8, 2010. (International)

~Fire and Ice is giving away a Yellow Vespa photo print. Enter by July 9, 2010. (International)

~Fire and Ice is giving away your choice of Sea inspired items. Enter by July 10, 2010. (International)

~Tales of Whimsy… is giving away an ARC and a copy of Deception by Lee Nichols. Enter by July 11, 2010. (US/Canada)

~A Journey of Books is giving away 5 copies of Desire Me by Robyn DeHart. Contest ends July 12, 2010. (US/Canada mailing addresses)

Contests From Last Weeks Post:

~Steph Su Reads is giving away 10 ARCs of Dear Anjali by Melissa Glenn Haber. Contest ends June 10, 2010. (US only)

~Books at Midnight is giving away a Snuggle Bunny! It’s too cute! Enter by June 10, 2010. (US/Canada addresses)

~Love to Read for Fun is having her Knocked My Socks Off Giveaway! Choose from Black Wade: The Wild Side of Love, Laid Bare and Coming Undone by Lauren Dane, and Passion Unleashed and Ecstasy Unveiled by Larissa Ione. Enter by June 11, 2010. (Wherever Book Depository delivers)

~The Story Siren is giving away 5 copies of Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson. Contest ends June 11, 2010. (US residents only)

~Book Chick City is giving away a signed UK copy of Tales of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong. Enter by June 12, 2010. (International)

~Fiction Vixen Book Reviews is giving away Knight of Passion by Margaret Mallory. Contest ends June 12, 2010. (US/Canada residents)

~A Journey of Books is giving away 3 audiobooks of The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker. Enter by June 12, 2010. (US & Canada only)

~At Home With Books is giving away 3 audiobooks of Put on Your Crown by Queen Latifah. Enter by June 13, 2010. (US & Canada only)

~Lovin’ & Livin’ Life in the 808 is giving away Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep and signed bookmarks. Enter by June 13, 2010. (US/Canada only)

~At Home With Books is giving away a $100 GC to CSN stores to purchase a bookcase. Contest ends June 14, 2010. (US/Canada)

~Tynga’s Reviews is having a re-create the Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick cover. One winner will receive a Crescendo ARC, and another will receive a pre-order. Submit entries by June 14, 2010. (ARC-US/Canada,Pre-order-Wherever Book Depository delivers)

~A Journey of Books is giving away Still the One by Robin Wells. Enter by June 14, 2010. (US & Canada only)

~Black and Blue Ink is having a Birthday Blast and 120+ Follower Extravaganza! Multiple books are up for grabs to multiple winners! Contest ends June 14, 2010. (US only)

~Candace’s Book Blog is giving away Avalon Revisited by O.M. Grey. Contest ends June 15, 2010. (US only)

~A Journey of Books is giving away Play Dead by Ryan Brown. Contest ends June 15, 2010. (US only)

~The First Novels Club is giving away signed copies of Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead, Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr, White Cat by Holly Black, and City of Glass by Cassandra Clare. Contest ends June 15, 2010. (US residents)

~Paranormal Haven is giving away a signed copy of A Rush of Wings by Adrian Phoenix. Enter by June 15, 2010. (International?)

~The Cajun Book Lady is giving away 3 copies of Knight of Passion by Margaret Mallory. Enter by June 15, 2010. (US/Canada residents)

~The Cajun Book Lady is giving away 3 copies of The Pearls of the Stone Man by Edward Mooney Jr. Enter by June 15, 2010. (US residents)

~The Cajun Book Lady is giving away 3 copies of Street Boners by Gavin McInnes. Enter by June 15, 2010. (US/Canada residents)

~Ex Libris is having a 222 Follower Giveaway! Prizes include Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione, Highlander Unmasked by Monica McCarty, Stolen by Kelley Armstrong, The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber, Changeless by Gail Carriger, Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews, and Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs. Contest ends June 15, 2010. (International-wherever Book Depository delivers)

~From the Shadows is having a 300 Follower Giveaway w/ prizes of Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz, Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead, and a signed copy of Shadows of Myth and Legend by E.J. Stevens. Contest ends June 16, 2010. (US addresses)

~A Journey of Books is giving away 3 audiobooks of God Never Blinks by Regina Brett. Contest ends June 16, 2010. (US & Canada only)

~Steph Su Reads is giving away Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman. Enter by June 17, 2010. (US/Canada only)

~Books at Midnight is giving away Everlasting by Angie Frazier. Enter by June 17, 2010. (International)

~JoJos Book Corner is giving away an ebook by Stephanie Julian. Contest ends June 18, 2010. (International)

~JoJos Book Corner is giving away the first 3 installments of Laura Stamps serial erotica novel A Vampire’s Kiss. Contest ends June 18, 2010. (International)

~Dark Faerie Tales is giving away Enemy Lover by Karin Harlow and a custom L.O.S.T. mug. Enter by June 18, 2010. (US/Canada residents)

~A Good Addiction is giving away A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler. Enter by June 20, 2010. (US mailing addresses)

~Erotic Horizon is giving away a bunch of books! Prizes include Party of Three by Joan Kilby, The Rake’s Proposal by Sarah Elliott, Night Game by Christine Feehan, Tall Dark and Filthy Rich by Jill Monroe, Marley & Me by John Grogan, Mailand Maternity Triplets, Quads, and Quints Anthology, Spirits Song by Madeline Baker, The Player by Rhonda Nelson, Call of the Highland Moon by Kendra Leigh Castle, One Computermouse Mat and two Coasters from The MouseMat Factory, and Christmas Angels by Nora Roberts. Contest ends June 21, 2010. (Open to addresses outside US & Canada)

~Dark Faerie Tales is giving away Assassin’s Honor by Monica Burns. Contest ends June 22, 2010. (International)

~Mundie Moms is giving away a signed copy of The Necromancer by Michael Scott and a The Necromancer water bottle. Contest ends June 22, 2010. (International entries must pay for shipping)

~A Journey of Books is giving away Amazon Queen by Lori Devoti. Enter by June 22, 2010. (US mailing addresses only)

~Tales of Whimsy… is giving away a signed copy of English Trifle by Josi S. Kilpack. Enter by June 23, 2010. (US/Canada residents)

~Lisa Desrochers is having her June Debut Contest. The winner gets to choose from a signed ARC of Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers, Everlasting by Angie Frazier, A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend by Emily Horner, Sea by Heidi R. Kling, and The Deathday Letter by Shaun Hutchinson. Enter by June 25, 2010.

~The Serpentine Library is giving away The Thief by Meghan Whalen Turner, Evernight by Claudia Gray, and The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan. Contest ends June 25, 2010. (US only)

~Mundie Moms is giving away a signed copy of The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan and a Percy Jackson necklace. Contest ends June 25, 2010.

~A Journey of Books is giving away The Pearls of the Stone Man by Edward Mooney, Jr. Enter by June 26, 2010. (US mailing addresses)

~vvb32 reads is giving away Android Karenina by Leo Tolstoy and Ben H. Winters. Enter by June 27, 2010.

~A Journey of Books is giving away The Devlin Diary by Christi Phillips. Enter by June 27, 2010. (US mailing addresses)

~my disorganized ramblings is having her first contest! Enter to win your choice of an ebook or print book of your choice up to $15 in value. Contest ends June 27, 2010. (International wherever Book Depository delivers or All Romance Ebooks sends)

~Tales of Whimsy… is giving away Perfect Chemistry and an ARC of Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles. Contest ends June 27, 2010. (US/Canada only)

~Candace’s Book Blog is giving away a signed copy of Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready. Contest ends June 29, 2010. (US mailing addresses)

~Book Rat is giving away your choice of The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, or Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. Contest ends June 30, 2010. (International)

~A Journey of Books is giving away 5 copies of Knight of Passion by Margaret Mallory. Enter by June 30, 2010. (US/Canada addresses)

~Wicked Awesome Books is giving away 3 New Moon Prize Packs: Jacob, Edward, and general. Enter by June 30, 2010. (International)

~Reading With Tequila is giving away Blood Oath by Christopher Farnsworth and a book from the prize bin. Enter by June 30, 2010. (US residents)

~A Great Book is the Cheapest Vacation is giving away Spider’s Bite and Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep. Contest ends July 1, 2010. (International)

~I Heart Monster is giving away 3 Eclipse movie posters. Enter by July 1, 2010. (International)

~LA FEMME READERS is giving away And Then Everything Unraveled and And Then I Found Out the Truth by Jennifer Sturman. Enter by July 1, 2010. (US/Canada addresses)

~All Things Urban Fantasy and Tynga’s Reviews are having Paranormal Summerfest! Check out both daily for great giveaways. All giveaways run until July 4, 2010.

My Soul to Keep by Rachel Vincent and random Harlequin T-shirt (US/Canada only)
Majix: Notes from a Serious Teen Witch by Douglas Rees (US only)
Judith Graves swag (International)

~Leilani Loves Books is giving away a signed copy of Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey. Contest ends July 4, 2010. (International)

~LA FEMME READERS is giving away ARC of Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler. Enter by July 7, 2010. (International)

~A Good Addiction is giving away And Then Everything Unraveled and And Then I Found Out the Truth by Jennifer Sturman. Enter by July 10, 2010. (US/Canada addresses)

~I Heart Monster is giving away a signed copy of Firespell by Chloe Neill. Contest ends July 11, 2010. (International)

~The Bibliophilic Book Blog is giving away an eReader or $100 Amazon.com GC! Contest ends July 15, 2010. (International)

~Leilani Loves Books is going to have a 100 Follower Birthday Bash! Contests and prizes will be added through August 13, 2010.

Weekly Contests:

~Fang-tastic Books has giveaways weekly, with winners announced on Wednesdays.

~Bitten by Books has new contests daily, ranging from interviews to daily book chats.

Heads Up:

Check out Book Faery’s Contest Finds- A place to enter in your contests to help spread the word about them. This is a new Saturday feature!

Check out All Things Urban Fantasy for a HUGE list of urban fantasy contests going on!

Feel free to email me anytime at notreallysouthernvampchick(at)gmail(dot)com with any contests you want me to put in my next Win on Wednesday post. Also, if I missed a contest of yours, leave a link in the comments if you want to get the word out about it. Or if I got something wrong in the list, please let me know. :)

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Bday Bash ~ The Results!

I want to thank everyone for making my Giveaway-A-Day Countdown to My Birthday Bash such an awesome time! It meant a lot to me how much all the authors, crafters, and bloggers put into it! Thanks for making it truly memorable!!!

Sorry it took me a few extra days to get this done. Stupid ankle and stairs… but now you all get to suffer through my rambling while I sum up the events and announce the winners!

May 1~Intro & Rules & Swag-tastic Giveaway!

What did we learn?

I can’t ever be serious.
It’s my party so I can do what I want! ;)
READ THE RULES FOR GIVEAWAYS PEOPLE!

What was won?

5 winners receive specific swag (what was originally pictured plus Kelly Gay bookmark) ~~ Manda, taulya, Moonsanity, Carol T, Miss Bohemia
2 winners receive misc. swag (what was originally pictured plus signed Kelly Gay postcard) ~~ YA Vampire Books, Spav

May 2 ~ Ask NRSVampChick & Book of Choice Giveaway!

What did we learn?

You all really like asking questions!
I’m horrible at picking favorites.
I’m a geek.

What was won?

2 winners receive a book of choice (up to $10 in value from Book Depository or Amazon.com) ~~ R.E.B. & Spav

May 3 ~ Aria Guest Post & Steampunk Giveaway

What did we learn?

Aria worries for no reason.
Steampunk is freaking awesome!
I need to learn how to belly dance! lol
Steampunk is a popular choice on my blog! Yay! <3

What was won?

1 winner receives a book of choice mentioned in this post on Steampunk from either the Book Depository or Amazon.com ~~ Jessica W
1 winner receives a Steampunk handmade surprise by Aria! It’s purty! I want it! lol ~~ heatwave16

May 4 ~ Some of My Favs & a Giveaway!

What did we learn?

Sometimes my rambling comes in handy.
Back up plans are good!
You all liked my favs! :D

What was won?

1 US or Canadian winner receives one of my books listed in this post ~~ Throuthehaze
1 international winner receives one of my favorite books reviewed this year, listed here ~~ Grace

May 5 ~ Laura Stamp Interview & Giveaway!

What did we learn?

Laura Stamps is a dirty, dirty woman and she loves it!
Erotica + Vampires = Fun! Duh!
I don’t think it’s possible for Laura to be PG-13, but that’s okay, because we love her for it!

What was won?

Everyone who entered (filled out a form AND left a comment) gets a postcard signed by Laura Stamps, and they’re awesome! lol! ~~ SiNn, Linda Henderson, Nastassia, Jennifer Mathis, Julie, Andrea I, Miss Bohemia, debbie, Book Sake
1 winner gets the first 3 months of A Vampire’s Kiss that were out when this started ~~ Julie

May 6 ~ Michele Hauf Interview & Giveaway!

What did we learn?

There is a whole new series I need to read called Rogue Angel by multiple authors under the Alex Archer pseudonym.
Michele’s mom made her some awesome birthday cakes when she was a kid, that me as a kid would have been completely jealous of. lol

What was won?

1 US winner will receive a copy of Rogue Angel: The Bone Conjurer by Alex Archer ~~ Angie D

May 7 ~ O.M. Grey Interview & Giveaway!

What did we learn?

I’m not the only one with an aversion to having my picture taken.
Vampires, vampire slayers, and steampunk all in one book! Avalon Revisited here I come!

What was won?

1 US or Canadian winner gets a signed copy of Avalon Revisited by O.M. Grey ~~ SiNn

May 8 ~ Miss Bohemia Guest Post & Giveaway!

What did we learn?

It’s kinda scary how much me and Jen have in common even though we live an ocean apart.
You all have made me add SO many books and movies to my wish list! Like it needed to be longer!

What was won?

1 international winner receives the Blood Moon Pendant Vampires Versus Werewolves made by Jen/Miss Bohemia ~ Nastassia

May 9 ~ Keta Diablo Interview & Giveaway!

What did we learn?

Keta’s M/M romances cover the emotional side as well as the physical side of the relationship.
The Sin Eater’s Prince has some fascinating mythology behind it!
Her sons got her cowboy handkerchiefs for her birthday one year when they were little and she still has them. Awww!

What was won?

1 winner will receive an ebook of The Sin Eater’s Prince ~~ Stella
1 winner will receive an ebook of Holding on to Heaven ~~ Sharli
1 extra giveaway was held for Hot and Sticky being released/Mother’s Day and that winner was ~~ Sarah (she’s already been contacted. I swear I haven’t forgotten you Sarah!)

May 10 ~ Faerie Moon Creations Interview & Giveaway!

What did we learn?

Theresa surprisingly hasn’t been making jewelry for long, but does other arts and crafts as well.
ETSY pretty much rocks, in case you didn’t know!
Her inspiration comes from all different places, and her taste in books is fabulous!

What was won?

1 international winner receives the Dark Romance Earrings by Faerie Moon Creations ~~ EVA SB

May 11 ~ Nancy Holzner Guest Post & Giveaway!

What did we learn?

We got a nice look at some of the highlights of vampires in pop culture over the past 25 years!
You all seem to agree (mostly) with Nancy.
Could it be my love for vampires started with Sesame Street? No, that still doesn’t seem right. Some day I will figure it out…

What was won?

1 international winner receives a signed copy of Deadtown by Nancy Holzner, The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice, and the bookmark with Newborn Hunger by Rebecca Sinz ~~ mountie9

May 12 ~ Carolyn Crane Guest Post & Giveaway!

What did we learn?

Carolyn knows an awesome psychic that told us about the next year of my life.
I must avoid Robert Pattinson at all costs!
The above point should not be at all difficult. lol

What was won?

1 international winner will receive a prize pack that Carolyn collected at the RT convention! It includes bookmarks, pens, postcards, sexy playing cards, and more, plus a signed copy of Passion Untamed by Pamela Palmer ~~ Michikit

May 13 ~ My Birthday & Interview w/ Book Faery & a Giveaway!

What did we learn?

In case you had not yet noticed… I’m a huge dork! lol
Tomatoes are nasty.
RPGs are the shit!
Me and Tori get off track very easily.
The true image of NRSVampChick is revealed! le gasp!

What was won?

1 US or Canadian winner receives a signed copy of Shadows of Myth and Legend by E.J. Stevens & swag pack ~~ Sweet Vernal Zephyr
1 US or Canadian winner receives a personalized to Amanda copy of Demonkeepers by Jessica Andersen ~~ elaing8
1 international winner receives a book of choice from the Book Depository or an ebook (up to $15 in value) from any of the authors that participated in this event: Laura Stamps, Michele Hauf, O.M. Grey, Keta Diablo, Nancy Holzner, and Carolyn Crane ~~ Okapi

Special Drawing for comments on the 13th!

Prizes:

Laura Stamps signed postcard
E.J. Stevens swag (magnet, signed bookplate, bookmarks, etc)
Kelly Gay signed postcard
Book of choice from my collection.

And this one goes to…

Paper Cut Reviewer

I will be emailing everyone in the next day or 2, but if you are just super excited about winning and want to go ahead and email me, then go right ahead. Please include your shipping info & a choice of book if one was involved. Winners have 72 hours to contact me from the time I send out their emails. If anyone has any questions, feel free to email me.

Thanks again for making my birthday such a fun and memorable experience! It really means a lot to me! <3<3<3<3

Friday, June 4, 2010

I Fell Down…

Ok, so today was supposed to be a post filled day. Friday Finds, Kristin Stefanos phone interview and Lost Devil’s Throne book review, and winners announced for my Giveaway-A-Day Countdown to My Birthday Bash! There was however a problem last night when I was working on all of this… I fell down the stairs… AGAIN!

See, every now and then my ankle likes to somewhat give out and it just kind of rolls. If I had a normal set of stairs this might not be a big problem, but my stairs are narrow and steep. So, when I try to avoid spraining my ankle when It gives out on me (b/c that’s happened a bunch of times) the result is me falling down the stairs. Well, half the stairs.

For once I took care of myself and got ice and laid down right away, but the damage was a bit done already. One of my wrists and knees got twisted a bit, and my upper thigh and butt has a fist sized bruise with carpet burn on top of it b/c I was wearing a night gown as I went sliding down the stairs. LOL Do you all have a funny picture in your head now?

The result is me not really being able to sit here and work at the computer for very long for at least today, and maybe a bit longer, I’ll have to see. I’ll try to get a bit done here and there. Hopefully I’ll at least be able to announce my contest winners tomorrow. But hey, at least I can walk this time! <3

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Win on Wednesday: Contests Around the Blogosphere (19)

From Abigail @ All Things Urban Fantasy

Here are some of the contests I have found. At the bottom of the page I’ve linked two other sites w/ great contest listings. Be aware that what’s listed here is not necessarily accurate or as detailed as the page will be, it’s just a guide so read the rules before you enter the contests. :)

My Contest:

ENTER HERE for your chance to win Moonshine by Alaya Johnson. Contest ends June 11th. (US residents only)

New Contests:

~Jennifer Laurens is giving away Heavenly, Penitence, Nailed, a fan, and a bandana. Contest ends soon? (US only)

~Parajunkee’s View is having an awesome Sherrilyn Kenyon Giveaway! Enter to win a signed copy of Born of Night, Whispered Lies, Silent Truth, Acheron bumpersticker, temporary tattoo, random BAD swag and promo prints, Infinity poster, and Parajunkee bookmarks. Contest ends ? (continental US/Canada mailing addresses)

~Rayment’s Readings, Rants and Ramblings is giving away an item of choice from a few selection from CSNstores.com. Contest ends June 3, 2010. (US/Canada only)

~That’s what I’m Talking About… is giving away a signed copy of Shades of Midnight by Lara Adrian and Kiss at Midnight by Lara Adrian. Enter by June 4, 2010. (US/Canada only)

~All Things Urban Fantasy is giving away Moon Sworn by Keri Arthur. Enter by June 4, 2010. (US only)

~Book Lovers Inc. is giving away Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane. Enter by June 5, 2010. (International)

~Seductive Musings is giving away Dangerous Highlander by Donna Grant. Contest ends June 5, 2010. (International)

~Seductive Musings is giving away an ebook of The Devil’s Mistress by Laura Navarre and a signed and framed poster of The Devil’s Mistress. Contest ends June 5, 2010. (ebook-International, poster-US only)

~Book Junkie is giving away a signed copy of Dane by Elizabeth Amber. Enter by June 6, 2010. (US only)

~Book Lovers Inc. is giving away Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews. Enter by June 6, 2010. (where the Book Depository delivers)

~Book Lovers Inc. is giving away a signed set of the Signs of the Zodiac series by Vicki Pettersson. Enter by June 6, 2010. (International)

~Good Choice Reading is giving away a signed ARC of Shadow of the Vampire by Meagan Hatfield. Enter by June 6, 2010.

~Daisy Chain Book Reviews is giving away an ARC of Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James. Contest ends June 6, 2010. (International)

~Wayfaring Writer is giving away Captain Bonny Morgan: The Cassandra Prophesy by Robert Gowdy. Enter by June 6, 2010. (US only)

~Enchanted by Books is giving away Mind Games by Carolyn Crane. Enter by June 7, 2010. (International)

~Welcome to Larissa’s Life is giving away a signed copy of Into the Dark by Gena Showalter. Enter by June 7, 2010. (International)

~Paranormal Haven is giving away I’ll Be Slaying You by Cynthia Eden. Enter by June 8, 2010. (International?)

~Vampire Wire is giving away Insatiable by Meg Cabot. Enter by June 8, 2010. (US/Canada only)

~Housewife Blues and Chihuahua Stories is giving away Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews, Magic on the Storm by Devon Monk, Chimera by Rob Thurman, and a pre-order of The Darkest Lie by Gena Showalter. Contest ends June 9, 2010. (Anywhere Book Depository ships to)

~Book Faery is giving away Ancient Whispers by Marie-Claude Bourque. Contest ends June 9, 2010. (International)

~Welcome to My World! is giving away a 25 oz. mug by PictureIt Creations. It’ll make a great Father’s Day gift! Contest ends June 9, 2010. (US, International-pay for shipping)